How invasion, civil war and disease all had a part to play in the relatively speedy downfall of the great Inca empire in Peru in the 16th century.

The 10 plagues of Egypt, which saw water turning to blood, frogs, lice, flies, livestock pestilence, boils, hail, locusts, darkness and the killing of firstborn children. As detailed in the Bible, they were sent by God to convince Pharaoh to free the Israelites.